Projectors: Your Technical Questions Answered: Automatic Features

Nearly all rental projectors are equipped with certain automatic features, which may include auto focus, auto setup, auto input signal search, automatic keystone correction, and more. But should you always use the automatic features, or does it ever make sense to correct and adjust your image manually?

Automatic Focus

In nearly any situation where you're using a projector, you will tend to use the automatic focus feature. In older devices, you may need to focus the first image manually, then the automatic focus can take over from there.

In newer devices, the auto focus feature appears to work like magic, honing in on the clearest, crispest image with the touch of a button. Additionally, some projectors also feature remote focus, which allows you to use the remote control to auto focus your presentation.

Once you've activated the auto focus feature, you will likely not need to use it again during your presentation, unless the projector is moved or repositioned.

Auto Setup

An auto setup feature allows for easy, one-button adjustment of input and picture display, which is ideal for non-techie or occasional projector users. The auto setup feature also allows a projector to be used efficiently in multiple locations, and easily moved or repositioned.

This is truly a "plug and play" feature that is appreciated by many. There is no need to perform this function manually if your rental projector is equipped with an auto setup feature.

Auto Input Signal Search

Put simply, this is an automatic feature that allows your rental projector to determine what form of input (laptop, DVD, etc.) you are using for your presentation.

This feature makes setup quick and simple. If your rental projector does not have this feature, you may need to select the input manually.

Automatic Keystone Correction

This is an excellent feature, although not essential. The automatic keystone correction will ensure that your image is squared to the projection screen or surface. If your rental projector does not include this feature, then you would simply reposition the projector, the table or flat surface on which it rests, or the screen itself to remove any keystoning (a distortion of the image that appears as a trapezoid or parallelogram instead of a rectangle of square).

How can you tell which features your rental projector includes? Ask to see the specs before you rent, or look at the materials included with the rental equipment itself. Most rental projectors include a setup guide that lists the features of that specific unit.